Christmas Markets: Amsterdam, Cologne & Brussels
Overview
Discover the magic of the festive season on this European journey through Amsterdam, Cologne, and Brussels, with a visit to Luxembourg City. From twinkling canals and charming Christmas markets to festive lights and seasonal treats, this itinerary offers the perfect blend of iconic sights and holiday spirit.
Format
Trip Highlights
Destinations that include planned activities and/or overnight stays.
- Netherlands
- Amsterdam
- Maastricht
- Germany
- Cologne
- Luxembourg
- Luxembourg
- Belgium
- Brussels
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to Amsterdam
- 8 nights of accommodation
- 8 breakfasts
- Round-trip private transfer from the airport to the hotel
- Rail tickets in 2nd class to Maastricht, Cologne, Luxembourg and Brussels
- More Moments activities included:
- Entrance to Valkenburg Christmas Market in Maastrich
- 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off pass in Amsterdam
- Amsterdam evening canal cruise
- Earn Aeroplan® points
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Fly to Amsterdam.
Day 2
Welcome to Amsterdam
Upon arrival at the airport, take your private transfer to your hotel to check in at your hotel and settle in.
More Moments Activities Included
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Evening canal cruise
Enjoy the beautiful lights during this festive period cruising along the beautiful canals.
Day 3
Amsterdam: Visit
After breakfast, make your own way to the train station and head to Maastricht to visit the Valkenburg Christmas Market. In the evening, take the train back to Amsterdam.
More Moments Activities Included
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Entrance to Valkenburg Christmas Market
Visit Magical Maastricht Christmas Market at Vrijthorf Square. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, an ice rink and a festive Ferris wheel ($). In the evening, explore illuminated streets of Maastricht and try Dutch oliebollen (doughnuts).
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4
Amsterdam: Sightseeing
After breakfast, use your 24-hour Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass to see all the city's highlights.
More Moments Activities Included
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24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off pass
Explore the city's top attractions at your own pace. Take advantage of both bus and boat, including audio guides and frequent stops near landmarks such as the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House and the Heineken Experience, making it a convenient way to discover Amsterdam.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
Amsterdam – Cologne
Make your own way to the train station and board your train to Cologne, Germany. Upon arrival, proceed to your hotel and check in for your 2-night stay.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
Cologne: At leisure
Explore the city's Seven Christmas Markets.
($) Optional Activities
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Seven Christmas Markets
Cologne is home to seven enchanting Christmas markets, each with its own unique charm and festive atmosphere. These markets transform the city into a winter wonderland, offering visitors a magical holiday experience. Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market is the most famous, set against the stunning backdrop of the Cologne Cathedral, with over 150 stalls selling crafts, treats and Glühwein. Heinzels Wintermärchen (Old Town Christmas Market) is a medieval-themed market in the Old Town, known for its nostalgic charm and ice-skating rink.
Lastly, the Harbour Christmas Market, located by the Rhine River near the Chocolate Museum, features maritime-style stalls and seafood delicacies.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7
Cologne to Brussels
Make your own way to the train station to board your train to Brussels. Upon arrival, proceed to your hotel and check in. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Brussels – Luxembourg: Visit
After breakfast, make your own way to the train station and head to Luxembourg for the day.
Winterlights festival is the main Christmas market experience in Luxembourg. A collection of several festive markets spread across the city’s main squares.
Return to Brussels at the end of the day.
($) Optional Activities
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Winterlights Festival
During the Winterlights festival, the city transforms into a magical winter setting filled with thousands of lights, decorated chalets and seasonal attractions. Stroll between markets and enjoy local specialties like mulled wine, pastries, and traditional foods, while browsing stalls selling crafts, gifts and decorations. Enjoy live performances, ice skating and even a Ferris wheel.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 9
Brussels: At Leisure
After breakfast, enjoy exploring the Christmas market at your leisure.
($) Optional Activities
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Winter Wonders Christmas Market
Spanning over 2.5 kilometres, the market features over 200 chalets selling festive treats, mulled wine and ice skating at Place Sainte-Catherine.
Take the time to explore the famous Christmas light show at the Grand Place. Stroll through the Royal Galleries, with artisanal chocolate shops and boutique stores.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 10
Brussels - Return to Canada
After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
4-Star Accommodation
Location
Hotel
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 people
Best for
Multi-country tours
Book once, check two or more destinations off your bucket list! Tour packages include:
- Round-trip flight with Air Canada
- Airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation
- More Moments activities or excursions (select packages)
- Aeroplan® points
Aeroplan
In addition to accumulating points on the flight portion of your trip, you’ll earn up to 4,000 extra Aeroplan points on select tour packages.
- Members ages 2 to 12 will receive extra points equivalent to 50% of the points granted to members ages 13 and up.
- Travel completion by December 31, 2026.
Important Information
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Daily departures from November 21, 2026, to December 22, 2026
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Not Included:
- Meals and drinks, unless specified
- Transfers between the train stations and hotels
- Porterage
- Personal expenses
- Transfers
- Local taxes
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Book between May 15 and August 31, 2026, and enjoy a complimentary festive lunch at a local restaurant in Luxembourg, valued at 50 euros per person.